THE REV. JOHN LODER 39 



to Bolters Wood, where Pollicott will meet them, 

 and conduct them to their Spring Salad. 



The last passage is interesting as showing 

 the way meets were arranged. The hunting 

 was a private matter for the Master, and his 

 personal friends, and they went where they 

 could hear of a fox. 



Lord Abingdon predeceased his old friend ; 

 and the next communication about the hunt 

 is the following letter from his successor 

 the fifth earl, the Norreys of the preceding- 

 letters, and the son and heir upon whose birth 

 Mr. Loder had sent his congratulations to 

 Lord Abingdon in 1784. 



FiRLE, Feby. 14th, 1800. 

 Dear Sir, — Colonel Parker has written several 

 times to Lord Gage respecting the Rycotte Hunt, and 

 wishes me very much to let him have it but I cannot 

 reconcile myself to giving it to anybody but yourself, 

 from whom I have received such repeated kindnesses. 

 Lord Gage in compliance with my wishes has 

 written to Colonel Parker to say I consider the 

 Rycotte Coverts as yours, tho' you may not chuse 

 personally to attend your Hounds. 



I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Loder. 

 I remain, Dear Sir, 



Very sincerely yours, 



Abingdon. 



Lord Gage, who lived at Firle, was this 

 Lord Abingdon's guardian. The young Earl 

 married Lord Gage's sister. 



